Larry Graham performs with the very talented Graham Central Station.

After a wardrobe change Larry returns in purple as he royally sang his powerful hit, "One In A Million."

Tina Graham joins her husband Larry, on the stage to close the show out. They have been married for 38 years and have three children.

The MC Paris, for Now Thats Entertainment introduces C.P. Lacey, Sheila Coley and Larry Graham as our amazing performers for the evening at Scottish Rite Theatre in Collingswood, New Jersey.

Larry Graham and his wife Tina, are both full time servants of Jehovah, who share the good news about God's kingdom by placing literature where ever they perform throughout the world.

Biscuit, the only lady in Graham's band sang the powerful hit, "Can't Stand the Rain." Her voice perfectly blends with the old tunes by Graham Central Station. Biscuit has been in Larry's group for about three years.

The evening opened up with C.P. Lacey's characterizations of Little Richard, James Brown and The Jackson Five with audience participants as his brothers.

The very talented Sheila Coley performs her new CD, "Shadows," along with such hits as "I Love You I Do" and "I'm Your Lady."

Comedian and extremely multi-talented C.P. Lacey, began the show with his depiction and performance of Little Richard.

A hundred or more audience members joined Larry Graham on the stage at the end of the concert.

Larry Graham, Mr. One In A Million was the headliner for a power packed concert that brought the audience to their feet in triumphal applause. One could even speculate that Graham also brought the house down as pieces of the ceiling lightly sprinkled the audience. This multi-talented brother proved why many astute musicians define him as, "one of the most influential bass players in the world." John Liebman of FBPO Bass Club stated, "Larry is especially revered by funk bass players, as he is credited with developing the wildly popular 'slap bass' technique." This funky, percussive groove musician, is one of the original forerunners for the 1970's innovative dance music. Graham's years with such groups as Sly & the Family Stone ingratiated us with such smash singles as, #Dance to the Music, It's A Family Affair, and Everybody Is a Star.

Graham is a gifted baritone who continues to tour with his group Graham Central Station, throughout the world in such places as Japan, Denmark, and Germany. Many artist that were popular back in the '70s and 80's, did not survive the tribulations of the music industry. Fortunately, Larry Graham continues to forge ahead by collaborating with such soulful, adept brothers and friends as Prince. Their previous venture included a CD entitled, #Raise Up. During the interview with Mr. Liebman, Graham also explained how he met the tremendously talented Pince, who grew up on Larry's music. The two of them ended up on a concert jamming together. "It was like we had been playing together forever," added Graham. Now, these two accomplished artists were spiritual brothers and best friends.

The Death of Prince, A Close Friend, and Brother to Larry Graham

The death of Prince has been shocking and devastating to his fans. George Stephanopoulos, of #GMA, stated, "His faith was essential to him. He was brought into Jehovah's Witnesses by Larry Graham." Chris Connelly, a correspondent on GMA also expressed, how #Prince, made tremendous changes due to his faith. "People say a kinder, gentler Prince, in his later years, so maybe that was the result of his new found faith." During a previous interview Prince, mentioned how he viewed trends, "Icons don't chase trends they create and embody them." This profound statement gives us a good idea of this brother's beliefs. Prince became a person who was not a follower but a creator of incredible music based on his style. Charlie Rose of CBS This Morning stated, "Remembering a self-taught genius who created his own rules." In 2001 Prince, humbled himself and became a servant of the Highest God, Jehovah. Now that Prince has passed, it is our prayer that we will see him in the new world, dancing and creating again as Jesus taught and told us to pray for in Matthew chapter six of the Bible. (Comments are welcome at the bottom of this article as a source of inspiration for Larry and Tina Graham regarding the death of Prince)

Graham Central Station Performs with Larry Graham

Graham Central Station along with Larry presented a 'funkified' concert which we attended at the Scottish Rite Theatre in Collingswood, New Jersey. As the lights lowered, Graham discussed the purpose of his new CD, #Raise Up. He expressed how "We are living in code red." It is time that we raise our heads and see such things as greed in the price of oil which is out of control. We must become spiritually aware and not believe the lies. "Tell that story to the birds because it is getting old. Raise up your head; enough has been said. We are living in code red." Other talented members of Graham Central Station that joined Larry on stage was Willie Brown on guitar, Jimmy Joy McKinney on keyboards, Wilton Ram on guitar, Brian Rio Brazil played drums and Ashling Cole also known as "biscuit" was the soulful female vocalist who sang, I Can't Stand the Rain.

After the concert, I had the incredible privilege of interviewing the "master of funk" #Larry Graham and his beautiful wife Tina, who tours and performs with him as well. Before that interview, homage must be presented to one of the hardest working promoters in the business Rick Coley, of Now That's Entertainment and Fine Artz Records, who put the show together. It was a memorable evening of oldies that allowed the audience to bask in the soulful sounds from the seventies and eighties.

C.P. Lacey Is A Funny and Versatile Comedian

Paris, the MC for the evening explained with tremendous excitement; what the entertainment would be and how we were in store for a treat. Suddenly, Little Richard appeared on the stage in a fancy outfit and a full-blown jerry curl. With a wide-eyed look, C.P. Lacey had taken on the characterization of this famous artist. He sat at the keyboards and began to play and sing, Little Richard's hit, Tootie Fruitie. The audience burst into laughter as Lacey performed for a few minutes. Eventually, he arrived center stage just in time to say to the audience, "shut up," the famous words often stated by Little Richard. He left the stage for a wardrobe change as Paris explained that he would only receive one check, regardless of all the characters he performed. A few minutes later Lacey returned as the God Father of Soul, James Brown. He sang the words, "Get up. Get on up." After a mixture of essential steps, he ended with a split requested by an audience member. A few minutes later Lacey returned as #Michael Jackson. After a few screams and imaginative dance steps, he invited five audience members up on the stage to become The Jackson Five. They performed such hits as I Want You Back, Who's Lovin You and Stop the Love You Say May Be Your Own. The audience could not contain their laughter as Lacey accused Tito of trying to take over his show. His performance was hysterical. After the show, I spoke with C.P. Lacey.

Angelladywriter: How many characters do you perform?

Lacey: I perform over thirty characters. Whatever my agent call and request, that is what I try to do, whether it is Flava Flav, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tina Turner or Michael Jackson. Although Michael Jackson is my favorite because people enjoy seeing him and everyone loves him. I also enjoy doing Little Richard.

Angelladywriter: Do your audience help you decide what characters to perform as well?

Lacey: Sometimes, I can look at my audience and depend on their age range, I will know which characters are best for me to perform. All of my characters are iconic. I always enjoy the challenge of delivering impromptu for my audience; as long as they are laughing, I know that I have done my job.

C.P. Lacey is one of the most talented comedians of this decade. He continues to tour throughout Europe as well as many other cities throughout the United States. Lacey appears weekly on The Apollo television show on BET network as the executioner.

We look forward to his stellar comedic performances in the future.

Sheila Coley Is an Astute Source of Musical Power

A genuinely passionate woman, Sheila Coley's voice pulsated throughout the theatre as she sang Shadows, a single from her new CD. Sheila is the wife of Rick Coley, promoter of this spectacular event. Talked about how hard her husband worked to put this show together. Through many difficult times, Rick and Sheila have survived. They give all thanks and appreciation to their Heavenly Father Jehovah. Even when a doctor told her that she would never walk again after an accident; this husband and wife team stuck it out together. Sheila then went on to dedicate her next song, I love You I Do, to her beloved husband. She candidly expressed within the words of the song that Rick is, "the perfect man for me. I love you I do." This delicate, yet powerful songstress encouraged the audience by stating, "Do not let the Devil bring you down. We have to roll with the punches." Sheila then proficiently sang, Ain't Nothing Gonna Bring Me Down, written by Rick Benning. During a brief interview, Sheila expressed her feelings about that performance.

Angelladywriter: Sheila, I noticed a particular intensity during your performance that I have never seen before. What inspired you tonight?

Sheila: Although I did not get to rehearse, I decided to just go for it. Rick and I worked very hard, and we just wanted to give our audience the very best.

The road leading to this show inundated with many tribulations for Rick, Sheila and the people who worked with them to put everything together. Their determination, diligence and strong faith in Jehovah God, elevated them beyond these troubles. The evening with C.P. Lacey and Larry Graham was a profound success. Tickets purchased by audience participants from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Baltimore, New York, and Washington. May their success continues through the promotion of Now That's Entertainment and Fine Artz Recordz.

An Interview With #Larry and Tina Graham

Angelladywriter: You have accomplished so much over the years as a principal entertainer. What has contributed to your success?

Larry: I give my credit to Jehovah. My wife and I are regular pioneers who travel throughout the world performing. We share the good news about our Heavenly Father to as many people as we can.

Angelladywriter: As a married couple in the entertainment industry, how do you maintain a successful marriage?

Tina: We have been married for 38 years, and I give all thanks to Jehovah. We look to the Creator to tell us how we should treat each other. If you do that it brings happiness. I have deep respect for my husband, andhe spoils me. What he shares with everyone is a gift from God. But we do not let his work interfere with what we have. We take good care of each other, and I feed him well.

Angelladywriter: Do you have any children?

Tina: Yes. We have one daughter. Her name is Latia. She has three children. Two boys, Jaiden and Gavin. Latia also has a daughter name, Cyann.

Tina and Larry Graham were both enthusiastic about their full time preaching work as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Tina, exuberantly explained, "As pioneers, we are never off duty. Whoever we meet, we try to place literature with concerning God's kingdom. It is a blessing to be a Witness." They both enjoy sharing this peaceful message. During their travels to various countries such as Germany which they had just left, Tina and Larry carried literature in different languages. Sometimes, they may personally meet as many as 500 people per night while on tour in Europe or here in the United States. During my interview, it became clear that Larry and Tina Graham are very spiritually alert about the critical times we are living in.

I spoke with Larry Graham, previously on the telephone, he was preparing to leave for Japan. Graham made sure that he obtained a box of literature in Japanese. He and his wife are determined to share this good news about God's kingdom. They do not allow the snares of this world to draw them away from their service and love for Jehovah God. Their determination to share this good news about the kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for at Matthew chapter six, is a good reminder of what our focus should be on the world. What excellent examples to imitate as they follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. May each of us remain alert and aware as well.

Any questions concerning information in the article, contact me claudettecarter83@yahoo.com If you have any comments, go to the bottom of the page and make your comment there.

Disclaimer: Angelladywriter is not responsible for the advertisements that surround this page.

A 1999 interview from Youtube on Dutch television where Prince and his spiritual brother Larry Graham, talked about God, music, the truth and accurate knowledge

Comments

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AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

2 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi Esther,

It is so encouraging to see how you and your family stay busy in your service to Jehovah. We are currently still trying to get out with our metropolitan work at one of our local transportation stations because there is a strike. My daughter and I try to work with the carts at other locations. We continue to rely upon Jehovah for the answer.

I enjoyed the information this week about when we fall we must get up so that Jehovah can continue to help us. We send our love and continuous hugs and prayers to you and our brothers all over the world. Take care and may Jehovah continue to bless his earthly organization as a worldwide brotherhood.

AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

2 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi Esther.

I have to apologize. I plan to go onto your facebook page and check on you and Richy, additionally. Was that a picture of you and your son that I saw on facebook dated in July of this year?

It is so encouraging to hear how you and your husband are staying busy in the ministry. My husband Walker, is presently still under a new source of treatment for cancer. With Jehovah's help, he is doing fine. The friends have been so supportive and encouraging through prayers, genuine love, encouraging words, cards, dinners and the support from friends all over the world. We could not have survived this without Jehovah's earthly organization.

My husband continues to serve as Service Overseer in our congregation during his illness. With Jehovah's help from the friends, he does the best that he can. I serve as a regular pioneer who enjoys the metropolitan work at various locations in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. We enjoy our meetings and are very encouraged by the abundance of spiritual food. We are truly blessed to serve our wonderful Heavenly Father Jehovah and his precious son Jesus Christ.

Once again, may you and your husband continue the fine work in your service to Jehovah. Tell the brothers and sisters there that we send our love and prayers for them as well. Take care.

Esther Eastwood!

2 years ago

Hello,very funny!I shall have to update our photo,it,s me with our teen!!Why not come onto f b,I am on the messenger(but I,m warning you I,m really rubbish at this Tec stuff,if Richy or I want anything done we have to ask our son!!!)We have just done our family worship,Richard has the book to conduct this Thursday.On Sat we do k mini(from our house)then we learn Romanian!!Being a large port city we have a large Romanian population,so our k h is trying to start Romanian group.It,s a hard language!Love,hugs and kisses to you and your family.xxxxxxxx

AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

2 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi Sister Eastwood,

My husband also had a good laugh when I read your response. I was sure when I clicked on your photo and profile, it was your husband that was featured. That is why I said brother rather than sister. Regardless, it is such a privilege to speak with the two of you.

We both also agree that the Watchtower from our meeting yesterday was outstanding. I plan to keep it in my files as a source of reference, when I get a little depressed or lose my joy as a servant of Jehovah. It happens to all of us at one point or another. We are so privileged to serve a God who takes care of his people daily through a tremendous source of spiritual feeding.

Keep up the good work you and your husband are doing in your service to the true God, Jehovah. It is so encouraging to hear from our brothers and sisters all over the world. May Jehovah continue to direct and protect you and your families. We send all our love and prayers.

Hello my dear brother from England. I am so proud that we have a worldwide brotherhood. Continue the fine encouragement to people all over the world, to attend the hall and learn about the loving nature of our Heavenly Father Jehovah and his precious son Jesus Christ. May you continue in your efforts of pioneering and always put the preaching and teaching work first in your life as I try to do daily.

Take care and may Jehovah God continue to bless your efforts.

AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

2 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Thanks Eastwood, for your inspirational comment. I agree, a lot of untruths have been written about Brother Nelson better known as Prince. We are so thankful to know that Jehovah understands that we are imperfect and are in constant need of his help. We can be sure that Almighty God, the Creator of Brother Nelson and each of us, knows exactly what was in his heart. It is our prayer that we will see him again in paradise on earth one day in the future.

I am also sure Brother and Sister Graham appreciate your prayers and concerns for them as well. We should always keep our brothers and sisters throughout the world in our prayers daily.

It was encouraging to hear that you enjoyed your assembly. They are always so spiritually uplifting. Take care and may Jehovah continue to bless our brotherhood through his son Jesus Christ.

Eastwood

2 years ago

Only just read the article,a lot of nonsense has been written about brother Nelson,but we had a fabulous assembly 2 days ago,Jehovah doesn't,t ask us to be perfect,just faithful!We know it,s not long until paradise when we will be able to welcome all our loved ones back,including bro Nelson.Brother Graham and sister Graham, we are thinking of you and of course praying for you.Your fellow workers in Jehovah's service.xxxxxxx

AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

3 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi Anna,

I would love a copy. I will definitely be discreet about who I share it with. Thanks again for your consideration and prayers for the Graham family. What an awesome brother and sisterhood, Jehovah's organization is. Thanks again.

Anna

3 years ago

Hello again Claudette. The 1989 experience about Larry Graham cannot be accessed on the JW online library ; it only goes back to 2000. I have the 1989 bound volume with the article, but I wanted to make a clear copy ; (photo copies from old bound volumes end up crooked with greyish background. So I found a 2011 CD ROM still installed on my computer. Of course it only has the text, and no pictures. So I made a copy of the text from the CD ROM and added pics from the net to match what was in the original article. I made it just to share with some in my congregation here who may not have been in the Truth when it came out. If you are interested in having a copy, I could email it to you, but I ask that you be discreet with who you share it with, since the pics are not exactly the same as in the original article, and besides the original is copyrighted. But I enjoyed reading it again after all these years. I was surprised at how much I remembered. If you would life a copy, let me know through email, and I'll send it thru email.

AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

3 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi Anna,

I was so inspired by your comment. What a loving thought to send our love and prayers to Larry and Tina Graham. I know this has been a difficult time for them because Larry, was so close to Prince. They were truly spiritual brothers.

I also enjoyed that article in the Awake magazines years ago about how Larry Graham, discovered the truth based on God's word the Bible. He then took that knowledge and shared it with Prince, who became our spiritual brother. What a tremendous blessing that we all have the privilege to come to an accurate knowledge about the real hope for people of all races or celebrity status.

I look forward to seeing Prince in the new world that Jesus taught us to pray for at Matthew chapter six. We are all in desperate need of Jehovah God's real solution which is his kingdom. There we have that promise from God, that we will see such ones as Prince, brought back to life through the resurrection hope. He will dance, write songs and sing again. I look forward to that time.

Thanks again, my dear sister from Canada, for writing such encouraging words. It is such a blessing that we both have that same hope for our dead loved ones, based on the Bible at Revelation 21:3 and 4. May each of us continue to put faith in our Heavenly Father's awesome promises within the Bible.

Once again, I send my love and prayers to our brothers and sisters all over the world.

Anna B Rosa

3 years agofrom Sooke, BC (near Victoria Canada)

Loved reading this article, even though I don't live close enough to attend. I especially enjoyed reading the interview that you had with Larry and Tina. I remember reading their experience in the 1989 Awake 27 years ago. I have often wondered how they have been doing over the years. Upon hearing about Prince's death and discovering what an amazing friendship Larry had with Prince, I have been moved to keep Larry and Tina in my prayers. It seems Larry had a David and Jonathan friendship with Prince, so this must feel like a tremendous loss to him at this time. I am sure he draws comfort knowing that Jehovah will remember Prince when the time to resurrect those who have fallen asleep in death arrives, and Jehovah will wake Prince up to join us in the New World. Won't there be a lot of singing and dancing then. Please let Larry and Tina know that many of us (even here in Canada) pray for them during this difficult loss, and media attention. My heart really goes out to them. So good to hear that they are still pioneering. Mwah! Lots of love to y'all.

C. Carter

3 years ago

Larry Graham, is truly one of the most talented brothers on a base guitar.

AUTHOR

Claudette Coleman Carter

5 years agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi K3121,

It is such a pleasure to hear from my brother, who is also in full time service to our Heavenly Father Jehovah. Our brother Larry Graham, does not have a concert comimg up soon based on his website for a future concert in Japan as far as we know. If that changes, we will definitely let you know and hopefully you will be able to meet him and Tina. They were truly a source of encouragement to me. Keep up the excellent work and may Jehovah continue to bless your efforts.

I love that we can appreciate enjoying life and serving Jehovah. He is a happy God and I love serving him. Thanks for your comment and continue to keep the faith based on Jehovah and his loving organization.

Jojo

6 years ago

Wow, he brought down the house!!!!!! That cocert was gr8. I saw pieces of the ceiling come down. Thanks for this article:-) I feel like it isn't just informative and interesting but u and the performers came together to praise God, Jehovah, with these words. Thanks for talking about good news and couples staying together 38 years. We need that kinda talk. Whoohoo! Keep it coming:-D

angelladywriter

6 years ago

Thanks 1spiritualexhort for that beautiful comment. These are extremely talented individuals who are thankful to their Heavenly Father for their abilities. When we give the credit to the one that is deserving, it makes so much sense. Thanks again for your insightful comment.

1spiritualexhort

6 years ago

Thanks for this entertaining and informative article. Larry Graham, C. P. Lacey and Sheila Coley are very talented artists. They show their audiences their appreciation by providing professional entertainment. Thanks to you for always giving your readers outstanding articles.

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